Wisconsin regulations have allowed crossbows to be used by hunters age 65 and older or by those with physical disabilities.

Assembly Bill 194 bill eliminates the age and disability requirements for using a crossbow.

As written in the bill, “The crossbow hunting licenses established in this bill allow a license holder to use a crossbow to hunt the same game animals that may be hunted under current law with an archer hunting license.”

The crossbow license would likely cost the same as an archery license. For $2.25 more, the bill would allow hunters to purchase both a crossbow and an archery license.

Only one buck could be taken by the “string” hunters.

Crossbow hunters would be required to successfully complete a course in hunter education or bowhunter education before purchasing a license.

Proposals to allow crossbows during the Wisconsin archery deer season, which runs from mid-September to early January, have generated controversy in the state in recent years.

Proponents say crossbows, which are easier to use than vertical bows, are pro-hunting and help recruit and retain hunters.